Fifth-grade students in Science class participated in a deeply meaningful experience to celebrate Earth Day (April 22). Under the guidance of teacher Ryan Evansen, the children explored the concept of the “Circle of Control”—a tool commonly used in psychology to understand emotions, which was creatively adapted to address a complex issue: climate change.
The activity began with a clear premise: when it comes to the environment, there are many things outside of the children’s control—such as global policies, decisions made by large industries, or massive deforestation. However, there are also many things they can control in their daily lives. Working in pairs, the students identified and distinguished between these two categories: what is beyond their influence and what they can, even at their age, help change.
Instead of performing a traditional symbolic act, such as planting a tree or picking up litter, the students went a step further. They reflected on what they discovered within their Circle of Control, and each student made a personal commitment to the planet, choosing small, clear, and achievable actions that they and their families can implement. From reducing plastic use, to turning off unnecessary lights, or promoting recycling at home—each promise reflects a genuine intention to care for the Earth. These commitments, written and signed by the students themselves, now decorate the bulletin board outside classroom 5E.
Through this activity, the students not only learned about environmental care but also about empowerment, responsibility, and hope—because ultimately, taking care of the planet begins with the choices we can make in the everyday spaces we inhabit.
